Section 04-01A: Suspension, Front, 4x2 | 1996 F-Series Workshop Manual |
Raise the vehicle until the tire clears the floor and install safety stands.
To check the wheel bearing adjustment, grasp the tire at the sides. Alternately push inward and pull outward on the tire.
If any looseness is felt, adjust the wheel bearings as follows.
Remove the wheel cover if so equipped. Remove the grease cap from the hub using suitable tool.
Wipe the excess grease from the end of the front wheel spindle (3105). Remove the cotter pin and lock nut.
NOTE: Do not pry on the phenolic piston of the disc brake caliper (2B120).
Loosen the adjusting nut three turns. Attempt to obtain running clearance between the rotor brake surface and the linings by rocking the wheel, hub and rotor assembly in and out several times to push the linings away from the rotor, or by light tapping on the housing of the disc brake caliper or some other means that does not damage the rotor lining surfaces.
If running clearance cannot be maintained throughout bearing adjustment in Steps 9 and 10, the disc brake caliper must be removed. Refer to Section 06-03.
Tighten the wheel bearing adjusting nut to 23-34 Nm (17-25 lb-ft) while rotating the disc brake rotor in the opposite direction.
Back the nut off approximately one half turn.
Tighten the nut to 2.03-2.26 Nm (18-20 lb-in). End play should be .000-.127mm (.000-.005 inch). Torque required to rotate the hub should be 1.13-2.82 Nm (10-25 lb-in).
Install the retainer and new cotter pin, bending both ends of cotter pin in opposite direction around retainer. Install grease cap.
Install the disc brake caliper if removed.
Install the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Section 04-04.
Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts (1012) to 135 Nm (100 lb-ft) for F-150 vehicles. All other vehicles, tighten lug nuts to 190 Nm (140 lb-ft).
Install the wheel cover, if equipped.
Before driving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal (2455) several times to restore normal braking action.